In a thrilling New Year's Day showdown, the Illinois Fighting Illini women's basketball team delivered a spectacular performance, stunning the previously undefeated No. 7 Maryland Terrapins 73-70 at the State Farm Center.

Head coach Shauna Green achieved a milestone victory, securing her highest-ranked win and Illinois' first top-10 triumph since 2014. The hard-fought battle ended Maryland's perfect 14-0 start and solidified Illinois' best-ever program start through 14 games.

The contest was a nail-biter from start to finish, with neither team establishing a lead larger than seven points. The Illini's exceptional defensive strategy, particularly their ability to force turnovers, ultimately proved decisive. Maryland committed 18 turnovers compared to Illinois' 12, a critical factor in the game's outcome.

Sophomore Berry Wallace led the charge with an impressive 22 points and 7 rebounds, supported by stellar performances from junior Gretchen Dolan and freshman Cearah Parchment. Parchment was particularly impactful in the game's closing moments, drawing a crucial charge and executing a significant block on consecutive possessions.

The Illini's exceptional free-throw performance further cemented their victory. Leading the Big Ten with an 83% free-throw percentage, they elevated their accuracy to 87% in this game, converting 23 attempts with remarkable precision. Sophomore Aaliyah Guyton also contributed significantly, providing 18 minutes of stellar defensive play despite not scoring.

This victory marks only the second time Illinois has defeated Maryland, both wins coming under Coach Green's leadership in the past two seasons. The team now sets its sights on their upcoming match against the No. 24 ranked Michigan State Spartans in East Lansing, with hopes of breaking into the top 25 rankings for the first time since February 2025.

The Fighting Illini have demonstrated remarkable resilience and skill, proving they are a team to watch in the collegiate basketball landscape. Their strategic gameplay, defensive prowess, and ability to perform under pressure suggest an exciting season ahead for Illinois women's basketball.